Ernie Sims

Shortly before the 2006 NFL draft, the Lions dispatched an offensive assistant to the airport to chauffeur one of the top prospects to team headquarters for an interview. In the nine years since, that coach and quarterback zig-zagged around each other on their NFL paths, finally reconnecting this year with the Bears.

On Friday, that coach stood behind a row of microphones and discussed that quarterback for the first time as his offensive coordinator. Adam Gase was there as Jay Cutler entered the NFL, so perhaps it's fitting that he's now Cutler's lifeline for remaining relevant in it.

Gase isn't making any promises. He's aware of how four offensive staffs have come to...

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Shortly before the 2006 NFL draft, the Lions dispatched an offensive assistant to the airport to chauffeur one of the top prospects to team headquarters for an interview. In the nine years since, that coach and quarterback zig-zagged around each other...

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